Patrick Roberts has admitted that he was delighted to score his first two goals for Celtic, and hinted that he's hoping that they will help him hold down a place in the side, The Scottish Sun reports.

Roberts' brace helped the Hoops come from a goal down to beat Hearts 3-1 at Parkhead, and extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points.

After Gary Mackay-Steven had cancelled out Jamie Walker's excellent opener with a brilliant strike of his own, it was time for the 19-year-old on loan from Manchester City to take centre-stage.

His first goal came after some great work from Tom Rogic who won the ball back for the home side. The Australian slid a perfect pass into Roberts' path, and the youngster had the audacity to chip the ball into the net.

His second goal was perhaps exactly what Ronny Deila would have wanted to see from him as he picked the ball up on the right wing and ran into the box before drilling a low shot in the opposite corner to put the game beyond doubt.

And after expressing his delight following the brace, he suggested that he is hoping to get more opportunities with the appearance against Robbie Neilson's side being only his second league start for the club.

"They were my first and second goals and it was good feeling in front of all these fans," he told The Scottish Sun.

"The manager knows what I can do and he has obviously picked the team so I always do the best whenever I am on the pitch.

"I trust his judgement and he picks the team so I have to do whatever he wants me to.

"I just enjoy playing football whenever I am on the field.

"Even if it is in the Under-21's, whenever I get the opportunity, I just try and do my best.

"It is a challenge to try and stay in the team. Everyone wants to play."

Like Rogic's goal against Kilmarnock before the international break, Roberts' contribution on Saturday could be a key moment in the title race as it not only would have given the side plenty of confidence heading into the final weeks of the season, but the squad know for definite now that they have another special talent amongst them who just needs to be given the ball if the game is tight.

After going a goal down, fans may have been concerned that the Bhoys were about to blow their chance to really close the door on Aberdeen's title challenge, but Roberts' goals have given Deila's men a huge upper hand in the race.